Let's face it, when you need to move a massive amount of people or cargo nothing is as efficient as a full-size van. With 50-plus year of service under its belt, the 2012 Ford E-Series van has more than proven this point, tackling jobs both big and small. A long-time favorite of both the service industry and shuttle fleet managers everywhere, the venerable 2012 Ford E-Series full-size vans also serve countless vacationers who desire to take a big, comfortable conversion van on a long holiday across country. And, although the 2012 Ford E-Series vans are cut from the same mold as their wildly popular 1970s counterparts, today's E-Series is filled with modern safety and convenience features unheard of just a few years ago. Ford's AdvanceTrac traction and stability control system is a definite plus, as is the available navigation and SYNC communications systems. Offered in a number of configurations, the 2012 Ford E-Series van can serve as a passenger, cargo or cutaway van and is available in 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton models.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a big job moving multiple passengers or hundreds of pounds of cargo, the 2012 Ford E-Series full-size van is the truck of choice. Beyond its numerous configurations, the E-Series van can also be ordered as a CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicle.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you have strong concerns about safety and fuel economy, you should take note that the 2012 Ford E-Series van does not have head-curtain side airbags or a diesel engine option. There is also no all-wheel-drive model. All of these features, however, can be found on the Chevrolet Express Van.

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the E-Series van receives an auxiliary audio input jack as standard, while new cast-aluminum wheels are made optional.

Driving the E350 Super Duty Cargo

Driving Impressions
You don't hear much about the dynamic handling abilities of a full-size van but, if you're curious, the 2012 E-Series van is actually quite easy to live with. Although not...

as well-heeled as a full-size SUV like the Ford Expedition, the 2012 Ford E-Series is a far cry from vans of yesteryear. It's true that the rudimentary suspension, long rear overhang and average-size tires don't inspire sporty maneuvering, but the standard AdvanceTrac traction and stability control system goes a long way to making sure bad situations don't get worse. From the driver's seat, the E-Series delivers a modicum of feedback through its oversized steering wheel, but sudden lane changes and corners rounded too quickly require a bit more attention be paid to the task at hand. The E-Series' ride remains relatively controlled even when the vehicle is fully loaded, although it can get rather bouncy. In an attempt to make the 2012 E-Series van as user-friendly as possible, Ford has paid special attention to the areas most frequented by passengers. For example, the van's door handles are placed down low for easy access, and the there is a two-step tier at the base of the sliding side door making entry and exit less of a hike.

It's hard to make a dashboard as vast as that of the 2012 Ford E-Series van simple and easy to operate, but Ford has done a pretty good job. Most of the vital switch gear is clustered as close to the driver as possible, but the radio and auxiliary input jack remains a bit of a reach. Wisely, Ford has made its SYNC communications system available in the 2012 E-Series van, allowing some functions to be controlled via voice-activated commands. There are also redundant controls for volume and station settings on the steering wheel. The E-Series' front captain's-chair seating is firm and supportive, but the bench-style rear seats are a throwback to a time when comfort and head restraints were not a primary concern. And, with no head-curtain airbags to protect rear passengers, we have some concerns about their well-being in a side-impact collision. With a number of possible interior configurations, the E-Series can accommodate up to 14 passengers, a grocery-shelf's worth of boxed goods, or a mix of passengers and cargo. Owners can further customize their vans with such factory options as the QuietFlex rack and bin system, Masterack tool storage package and the Cable Lock tool-security system.

Exterior

Outside of redesigning the front end and tail lights, there's not much Ford can do to change five decades of its rolling box design. Flush-mounted side glass helps reduce drag and, on the 2012 Ford E-Series van, that side glass is particularly wide, providing excellent all around visibility. Large side mirrors help the driver see what might be cruising alongside the E-Series, and can be ordered with a power telescoping feature. If you have a conversion project in mind, the E-Series is the perfect platform from which to start, with a number of factory-installed pre-wiring packages to assist your installer.

E-Series options include a 255-horsepower 5.4-liter V8, a 305-horsepower 6.8-liter Triton V10 and CNG versions of the 5.4- and 6.8-liter engines. Also on the list are a number of seating configurations, rear air conditioning, SYNC voice-activated communications system, navigation, HD Radio, CD player, auxiliary input jack, aluminum wheels, sliding side cargo door, telescopic trailer-tow mirrors, power driver's seat, a trailer-towing package and the luxurious XLT Premium package. Other appealing options include the Masterack work-bin storage system (which includes steel shelving, drawers and cabinets), Tool Link tool-tracking system and the Crew Chief telematics system.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Ford E-Series offers a strong line of engine choices, with the base V8 delivering good power and torque for the standard-wheelbase models. Extended-length E-250 and E-350 models offer a choice of powerplants, including the Triton V10 and CNG-capable 5.4 and 6.8-liter engines. The 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 engines are also E85-compatible.

"I love this van mostly for pulling a camper. We sell at flea markets. We fill the van with junk and tables and pull the camper behind us. I go through hills of Tennessee to sell at fairgrounds in Nashville every 4th weekend. This van can handle a full load inside while pulling my 3,000# camper. Our van is e-350 with 5.4L. It is the 15 seat model, except seats are removed. If you are going to pull a camper this is much better than a truck, I had F-250. The wind of a truck goes over cab and smacks right into the travel trailer like dragging a parachute behind you. A van the wind cuts right over the van and over camper. My fuel MPG is still about 11-12 at 60mph overdrive off pulling total estimated 5,000# Its not uncommon for these vans to reach 500,000 miles, and rides like a dream. I have owned for more than a year."

"I keep an air mattress in the back for some over nighters I do. Pulls my DJ trailer and has that cool nostalgia look to it. I'd rather drive this than my 2014 F150--gets better mileage and the sound system I installed rocks. If yo go some where and over-partake, just crawl in the back and save you a DUI. But also, this is a head turner since you don't see many out and about. I've enjoyed it for two years and plan on many more. No mechanical issues other than an ABS sensor that trips the check engine light. If you are into the party life style, you need this."

I purchase this van brand new road miles home work

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

8/10

Value

Not Rated

Reliability

Not Rated

Quality

Not Rated

Performance

8/10

Styling

8/10

Comfort

9/10

Pros: "Great price for this van. 'regular Gas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Van is in excellent condition. I purchased it for a program, that required me to transport consumers. Never been smoke in carpet, seats, all interior like brand new. It is a 15 passenger van. Always been service on time. Has 4 brand new tires, no problems at all. It had to pass all inspection for the program I was doing. It has running side boards, and rides very comfortable. Drives very well for me being a woman. It is in excellent condition. It is a very good buy for any one that is seeking a vehicle in this category. Color is White, Interior is Grey Seats and Carpet. Excellent condition. Miles are road miles."

Bulletproof

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

8/10

Styling

8/10

Comfort

8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this truck since new. Very few repairs. Will carry way over its rated payload no sweat. Let it sit for a month in the winter, and it still starts on the first turn. Worst thing I can say about it is that it's a gas hog."

Great work van

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

9/10

Performance

7/10

Styling

9/10

Comfort

7/10

Pros: "Great for plumber or hvac"

Cons: "Doesn't have any cons"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My 2008 e150 work van is for sale. Van has 60000 miles . Custom cabinets shelves and roof racks. Van is very clean inside and out . 10000 lb trailer hitch was installed by Franklin trailer. Auto remote start what comes in handy when it's cold or hot.New windshield just installed last week."